Hey there! If you‘re reading this, chances are you‘re in need of some auto parts for your beloved ride. Whether you‘re a seasoned DIYer or just looking to save a few bucks on your next repair, buying parts online can be a great option. But with so many retailers out there, it can be tough to know who to trust. That‘s where CarParts.com comes in.
In this review, I‘ll be sharing my honest thoughts and experiences with CarParts.com. As an avid car enthusiast and do-it-yourselfer, I‘ve ordered from CarParts.com many times over the years. From brake pads and rotors to shocks and struts, they‘ve been my go-to source for quality, affordable auto parts.
I‘ll cover everything from their massive selection and competitive prices to their lightning-fast shipping and top-notch customer service. I‘ll also dive into some of the lesser-known perks of shopping with CarParts.com, like their rewards program and easy returns. By the end of this review, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if CarParts.com is the right place for your next auto parts purchase. Let‘s get into it!
Who is CarParts.com?
First, a quick background on the company. CarParts.com is one of the largest online auto parts retailers in the United States. They‘ve been in business since 1995, making them one of the OGs of the online auto parts game. Over the past 25+ years, CarParts.com has served over 5 million customers and shipped more than 50 million auto parts. Impressive, right?
What sets CarParts.com apart from other online auto parts stores? In my experience, it comes down to three main things: selection, price, and customer service.
Let‘s start with selection. CarParts.com carries over 1 million parts from more than 800 manufacturers. Whether you‘re looking for OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or aftermarket parts, chances are CarParts.com has what you need. They offer parts for just about every make and model, from classic cars to the latest hybrids.
In terms of price, CarParts.com is consistently competitive. They offer everyday low prices on most parts, plus frequent sales and promotions. I always check CarParts.com when price shopping for auto parts online. More often than not, they have the lowest price or will match a competitor‘s price.
Finally, there‘s customer service. This is an area where CarParts.com really shines. Their customer service team is available 7 days a week via phone, email, and live chat. Whenever I‘ve had questions or issues with an order, they‘ve been quick to respond and resolve the problem. CarParts.com also offers helpful resources like installation guides and videos, plus a 90-day return policy for added peace of mind.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Alright, let‘s dive into some stats. As I mentioned, CarParts.com is a major player in the online auto parts market. The company reported net sales of $443.9 million in 2020, a 20.8% increase from the prior year. That growth is even more impressive when you consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the broader auto industry.
So what‘s driving that growth? A few key factors. First, the average age of vehicles on the road in the US has been steadily climbing. It‘s now over 12 years old, according to IHS Markit. Older vehicles tend to need more frequent repairs and replacement parts.
Second, more and more people are opting to do their own car repairs and maintenance. A recent survey by IMR Inc. found that 80% of DIYers are purchasing auto parts online, up from 74% in 2019. E-commerce sales of auto parts are expected to grow 9% annually through 2025, outpacing the overall industry.
CarParts.com is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends. The company‘s website receives over 10 million visits per month on average. CarParts.com has also invested heavily in their distribution network and inventory management systems. The result? Over 97% of orders are shipped within one business day.
The CarParts.com Shopping Experience
Okay, let‘s talk about what it‘s actually like to shop on CarParts.com. When you land on the homepage, you‘ll immediately notice the search bar front and center. You can search for parts by keyword, part number, or vehicle. I usually start by entering my car‘s year, make, and model to browse parts specifically designed for my ride.
The search results page is cleanly laid out and easy to navigate. You can filter by brand, price range, part type, and more. Each listing includes the part name, photo, price, and availability. Clicking on a listing takes you to the product detail page, where you can find more info like specs, fitment notes, and customer reviews.
One thing I appreciate about CarParts.com is that they offer both OEM and aftermarket parts. As an authorized reseller for many manufacturers, you can trust that you‘re getting genuine OEM parts. But if you‘re on a tight budget, aftermarket parts can be a great alternative. CarParts.com vets all of their aftermarket suppliers to ensure they meet quality standards.
Another helpful feature is the "Part Finder" tool. If you‘re not sure exactly what part you need, the Part Finder can help you narrow it down by symptom or repair. You can also chat with a parts expert if you need additional guidance. CarParts.com‘s team is super knowledgeable and always willing to lend a hand.
Once you have the right part picked out, the rest of the checkout process is a breeze. You can choose from multiple shipping options, including free standard shipping on orders over $35. Most orders ship out same-day from one of CarParts.com‘s distribution centers. I‘ve never had to wait more than a few days to receive my parts.
What Sets CarParts.com Apart
At this point, you‘re probably thinking "Okay, CarParts.com sounds like a solid choice. But what makes them different from the competition?" Great question! Let me highlight a few things that I think make CarParts.com stand out:
1. Unbeatable selection – With over 1 million parts in stock from hundreds of brands, CarParts.com has one of the widest selections of any online auto parts retailer. No matter what you drive, chances are they have the parts you need.
2. Competitive pricing – CarParts.com offers some of the lowest prices on auto parts, period. Plus they have frequent sales and promotions, so you can save even more. They also offer a price match guarantee if you find a better deal elsewhere.
3. Fast and free shipping – Most orders ship the same day, and standard shipping is free on orders over $35. For urgent repairs, they also offer expedited and overnight shipping options.
4. Easy returns – If a part doesn‘t fit or you ordered the wrong item by mistake, no worries! CarParts.com offers hassle-free returns within 90 days of purchase. They even cover return shipping on defective parts.
5. Excellent customer service – CarParts.com‘s customer service team is top-notch. They‘re knowledgeable, friendly, and always go the extra mile to make sure you‘re satisfied with your order. Plus they offer tons of helpful resources like installation guides and videos.
6. Rewards program – Frequent shoppers can rack up serious savings with CarParts.com‘s rewards program. You‘ll earn 1-5% back on every purchase, plus bonus points for things like reviewing products and referring friends.
7. Commitment to sustainability – CarParts.com is taking steps to reduce their environmental impact, like using recycled packaging materials and energy-efficient distribution centers. They also offer a selection of eco-friendly parts like remanufactured engines and transmissions.
My Verdict: CarParts.com Gets a Glowing Review
So there you have it, my comprehensive review of CarParts.com! As you can probably tell, I‘m a big fan. For me, CarParts.com checks all the boxes of a great online auto parts retailer: massive selection, competitive prices, fast shipping, and exceptional customer service.
Of course, no company is perfect. One potential downside of CarParts.com is that some niche or hard-to-find parts may not be in stock. But with over 1 million parts available, the chances are slim you won‘t be able to find what you need. Plus, their customer service team is always happy to help track down rare parts.
At the end of the day, if you‘re in the market for auto parts online, I highly recommend giving CarParts.com a try. I‘ve ordered everything from simple oil filters to complete suspension overhauls from CarParts.com, and I‘ve never been disappointed. Their combination of selection, value, and service is hard to beat.
Oh, and did I mention they offer special discounts for military personnel and first responders? Just another way CarParts.com goes above and beyond for their customers. Whether you‘re a seasoned gearhead or a first-time DIYer, CarParts.com has your back.
So what are you waiting for? Head over to CarParts.com and see for yourself why they‘re the go-to choice for millions of auto part shoppers. And be sure to use one of their current promo codes to save a few bucks on your order. Your car (and your wallet) will thank you!
